Guide to Ongoing Formation for Priests (Ascension)

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Introduction

7 It is hoped that this document will be useful for diocesan priests, those members of religious institutes and societies of apostolic life, and priests who have professed other forms of consecrated life. As St. Pope John Paul II states in Vita Consecrata ,

Due to human limitations, the consecrated person can never claim to have completely brought to life the “new creature” who, in every circumstance of life, reflects the very mind of Christ. . . . None are exempt from the obligation to grow humanly and as Religious; by the same token, no one can be over-confident and live in self-sufficient isolation. At no stage of life can people feel so secure and committed that they do not need to give careful attention to ensuring perseverance in faithfulness; just as there is no age at which a person has completely achieved maturity. 3

8 This practical Guide is not meant to be an exposition on the meaning and identity of the priesthood or a theological treatment of priestly spirituality. Those themes are explored more explicitly in the 2013 Directory for the Ministry and Life of Priests (DMLP) from the Congregation for the Clergy. 4 In fact, the present document can be considered a companion to the DMLP, drawing from it liberally and presupposing its theological and pastoral insights. The purpose of this document is to help priests apply its wisdom in their lives. 5 It is a pastoral document and is not particular law for the United States. However, it is to be interpreted in accord with church teaching

3 St. John Paul II, Vita Consecrata (On the Consecrated Life and Its Mission in the Church and in the World) March 25, 1996, no. 69. 4 Congregation for the Clergy, Directory for the Ministry and the Life of Priests (DMLP), new ed. (Vati can City: Libreria Editrice Vaticana, 2013), no. 87. Subsequently cited as DMLP. 5 Priests who are consecrated may benefit also from Pope St. John Paul II’s apostolic exhortation Vita Consecrata and from the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life.

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